The landscape of the global workforce is changing, and technology is driving it. Nowadays, if you want to ensure your business is getting top-tier talent during your hiring process, it’s essential to utilize digital tools.
The days of posting a job opening in the local paper or on a bulletin board are long gone. If you’re not utilizing the digital landscape to recruit people, you could be missing out on tech-savvy individuals who will take your business into the future.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how businesses can compete for top talent in the digital age in terms of recruiting, and the steps you can take to outpace your competitors. By implementing some of these ideas, you’ll not only bring in the best talent now, but you’ll attract future generations to work for you.
Get Social
One of the best ways to recruit top talent using technology to your advantage is to utilize social media. It’s estimated that there are 4.74 billion social media users across the world, all using at least one platform to connect with others.
You can use social media in a variety of ways when it comes to recruitment. For starters, you can show off your work environment. People love seeing “behind the scenes” photos and videos of their favourite brands. It’s a great way to market yourself to consumers and job-seekers alike. When people see a positive company environment, they’ll want to be a part of it.
Of course, most people are quick to recognize smoke and mirrors, too. Don’t just post about your environment – make sure your business really is a great place to work! Ask your employees about their needs and wants. Practice inclusivity. Encourage mental well-being. Most importantly, show your employees they’re appreciated. Consider posting an “employee of the month” on social media, or giving an employee a gift basket for hitting a goal and showing off their picture. It might seem simple, but it’s a strategy that makes your brand seem more “human,” and lets potential recruits know that you have a fantastic company culture.
Using social media will also make it easier to reach your target audience of recruits – especially when you know the best times to post. If you’re looking for the best time to post utilizing LinkedIn, for example, it’s important to follow posting trends so your content can be seen by the largest audience and the right groups of people. Do your research and start getting social with your job openings.
Hold Digital Interviews
Remote work has been on the rise for a while. However, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it became the norm for millions of people. Now, even though we’re in a post-pandemic world, many people have stayed in their remote positions.
Offering remote options to your job postings can be extremely beneficial and will widen your talent pool exponentially. If you’re already using social media to post your jobs, you can open up your target audience to almost anyone around the globe, and accept applications based on pure talent, rather than having to worry about the location.
If you find qualified candidates in other parts of the country – or world – consider hosting digital interviews. Because of the rise in remote work, more platforms have become available in recent years that are great for holding digital interviews and regular meetings with employees, including:
- Zoom
- Spark Hire
- Breezy HR
- Willo
No matter which platform you choose, make sure it’s easily accessible to candidates around the globe. Even if you’ve never considered remote work opportunities before, it’s a fantastic way to ensure you find the best people for each position.
Keep Your Careers Website On-Trend
While posting on job sites and message boards is still relatively useful, you might want to consider having a separate “careers” section on your website that people can go to if they’re actively looking for a job.
Having a careers site can make potential candidates take your offer more seriously. It will also give you the opportunity to explain the offer and position in detail, effectively answering any questions a candidate might have without dealing with a lot of back-and-forths via email.
While your careers site/page should fit your brand message, there are a few important pieces of information to include that can help your company stand out and might make someone choose your business over a competitor. Some of those components include:
- Company values
- Employee testimonies
- Employment perks
- Reasons to work there
- Company history
- Behind-the-scenes videos and images
If you really want to stay on trend and attract members of the next generation, make sure your careers section is mobile-friendly. Research by Glassdoor discovered that 89% of people use their mobile devices when searching for employment. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly or takes too long to load, people will look elsewhere.
There’s no denying that technology will continue to move things forward in the business world, and will have a large impact on the future of recruitment and hiring. If you want to continue to attract and retain top talent, keep these ideas in mind, and embrace the benefits of hiring in the digital age.